The Motability Scheme provides a simple way to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair without the worry of owning and running one.
Since it began in 1978, the Motability Scheme has helped millions of disabled people and their families gain independence and freedom. The Motability Scheme is delivered on a day-to-day basis by Motability Operations Ltd, under contract to Motability.
The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to get mobile by exchanging their mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. To be eligible to join the Scheme, you need to receive one of the following mobility allowances and you must have at least 12 months award length remaining.
Please note that the Attendance Allowance cannot be used to lease a car through the Scheme.
Typical allowances
Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)
As of 10 April 2019, this allowance is £61.20 per week.
Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)
As of 08 April 2019, this allowance is £61.20 per week.
War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
As of 10 April 2019, this allowance is £68.35 per week.
Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
As of 10 April 2019, the mobility element of the allowance is £61.20 per week.
Motability, the Charity, may be able to provide financial help to Scheme customers who would otherwise struggle to afford the mobility solution they need.
Driving adaptations
Driving adaptations are available to help overcome a physical difficulty. They vary from simple attachments, to replacing all existing controls with a system individually designed for you. In most cases the original controls can still be used with adaptations in place, so nominated drivers can still use the car. Most driving adaptations require an automatic gearbox, and you must ensure you are able to control the vehicle safely when using any adaptations and comply with any specific codes on your driving licence. Driving Assessments and driving tuition can be also be arranged through your local Driving Mobility Assessment Centre.
Steps to take
Motability, the Charity, provides free information and resources about the Motability Scheme to help you advise disabled people and their families. If you decide that the Motability Scheme is right for you, there are a few steps you need to take in order to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair:
- Choose a vehicle – test drive it and consider adaptations
- Search for dealers – there are over 4,500 Motability dealerships in the UK
- Order the vehicle – the dealership’s Motability specialist will assist with each order
Every lease includes:
- Insurance
- Servicing and maintenance
- Full breakdown assistance
- Replacement tyres and batteries.
- Leasing a car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) will also cover:
- 20,000 mileage allowance per year of lease
- Window and windscreen repair or replacement
- A choice of adaptations, many at no extra cost.
What is right for you?
It’s important to understand the Scheme guidelines for using a Motability Scheme vehicle and to make sure you’re happy to lease a vehicle within the terms and conditions.
Remember, you can choose to spend your higher rate mobility allowance in whatever way you wish. If you only travel short distances, you might want to consider leasing a Motability scooter instead of a car.
However, if you only travel occasionally, it might be more cost-effective for you to spend your allowance on other modes of transport such as taxis. Organisations such as Disability Rights UK and Rica produce high quality information on a number of accessible mobility solutions.